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When in Chandigarh, Sukhna Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Ideal for boating and birdwatching, the lake offers a respite from the otherwise scorching heat of the sun during the peak summer months. However, many tourists often miss out on exploring the nearby sightseeing spot near the lake, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary offers a unique blend of biodiversity, scenic beauty, and tranquillity, away from the chaos of the bustling city. If you are looking to explore the wildlife sanctuary on your next Punjab tour, ensure to have a well-planned itinerary for a holistic travel experience.
Quick Details
Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary Address: North-East Of Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh, India
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Area Covered: About 26 square kilometres
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Chandigarh Railway Station
Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Price: ₹30 (children), ₹50 (adults), ₹100 (foreigners)
Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Photo: Priyanku Chetia Pator / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
The wildlife sanctuary is located in Chandigarh, on the northeastern side of the famous Sukhna Lake. It forms an integral part of Chandigarh’s green belt and serves as a vital environmental asset to the city. The sanctuary is also part of the larger Sukhna Lake Reserve Forest.
How To Reach Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Since the sanctuary is located near Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, which is in the heart of the city, accessibility is not an issue at all.
By Air: Your nearest airport destination from the wildlife sanctuary is Chandigarh International Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, take a taxi or public bus from outside the sanctuary to reach the lake and the sanctuary.
By Rail: Chandigarh Railway Station is one of the nearest railheads, located 7.3 km away. There are autos and cabs available outside the station to take you to the city centre.
By Road: Chandigarh has a well-maintained road network that makes it easy to access the sanctuary by car or bus. From the city centre, reaching the sanctuary is easy via local buses, autos and taxis too.
Things To Do At Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
The wildlife sanctuary is part of the Sukhna Forest Reserve, meaning that there are numerous interactive activities to explore. Some of the popular Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary activities include:
1. Wildlife Watching
Photo: Catherine Harding Wiltshire / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary provides a rich wildlife experience for visitors. The sanctuary’s diverse habitats, including dense forests and open grasslands, support a variety of species. Some of the wildlife species that you can witness in the sanctuary include Sambar Deer, Leopards and Wild Boards. Embarking on a jeep safari, especially during late afternoon, enables you to witness these animals up close and in their natural habitat. For better visibility, bring a camera with a good zoom lens.
2. Bird Watching
Photo: Daniela Paola Alchapar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Since the wildlife sanctuary is located near Sukhna Lake, it is home to numerous native and migratory bird species. If you are fascinated by different unique bird species, consider visiting during the winter months when the migration primarily happens. During the winter months, the sanctuary hosts migratory birds like Siberian cranes, common teals, and various species of geese. Their arrival transforms the sanctuary into a vibrant avian hotspot. Some of the resident bird species commonly spotted in the sanctuary include Indian peafowl, kingfishers, and hornbills.
3. Nature Trails
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
The sanctuary is spread across 26 sq.km, comparably smaller than most of the other sanctuaries around. While you are there, don’t miss out on exploring the well-marked nature trails around. They have dedicated trails – Forest, Grassland and Waterbody. Depending on your interests, you can explore one or multiple of these trails while visiting the sanctuary. Among the three, the forest trail is usually considered the most engaging route that takes you through dense forested areas where you can observe a variety of plant species and occasionally spot wildlife.
4. Photography
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This wildlife sanctuary is an excellent location for both wildlife and landscape photography. The place doesn’t have any restrictions on taking Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary photos, so bring out your professional cameras to capture the wildlife up close. However, avoid clicking with flash on since that can disrupt the animals. The sanctuary’s varied landscapes offer diverse backdrops for wildlife shots. If you are a wildlife photographer, the less crowded surroundings of this sanctuary make it a great destination for you to capture the animals in motion.
5. Picnicking
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The place provides designated areas where visitors can enjoy a picnic amidst nature. There are open grasslands where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy your picnic with friends or family. The sanctuary has several designated picnic spots that offer scenic views and peaceful surroundings. These spots are equipped with benches and tables for a comfortable experience. The only thing is to ensure that you are carrying all the basic picnic essentials with you since there are no food stalls or such inside. Also, avoid littering the area and carry your trash back with you.
Places To Visit Around Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
Check out a variety of nearby sightseeing spots around the wildlife sanctuary for a fulfilling experience.
1. Sukhna Lake
Photo: Amit Thakur_hero / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
Located within a short distance from the sanctuary, Sukhna Lake is a man-made reservoir, which is part of the Sukhna Forest Reserve. The lake is a perfect spot for a relaxing evening or a morning walk. You can also enjoy boating on the lake, which is the main attraction there. There are paddle boats, row boats, etc., depending on what you wish to ride. The lake attracts a variety of migratory birds, so don’t miss out on carrying binoculars for a better view. You can expect to witness cranes, storks, and kingfishers around the lake.
Distance: 6.7 km from the sanctuary
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
2. Rock Garden Of Chandigarh
Photo: Antanana / Wikimedia Commons
Another nearby tourist attraction that is a must-visit for every visitor is the Rock Garden of Chandigarh. Designed by Nek Chand, a government official, the main speciality of this place is the work towards sustainability. Every sculpture, design and components of this garden are made using industrial and household waste. It showcases how easily one can reuse things and prevent wastage. Beyond the sculptures, the rock garden has waterfalls, fountains, flower gardens, amphitheatre, etc. inside. You can also immerse yourself in the Rag Doll Museum inside the garden.
Distance: 4.3 km from the sanctuary
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
3. Capitol Complex
Photo: Lillottama / Wikimedia Commons
Designed by the world-renowned architect Le Corbusier, the Capitol Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Chandigarh’s modernist architecture. Inside the complex lies some of the key government offices, which are not accessible to the public at the moment. One of the most iconic structures in the complex, the Open Hand Monument symbolises peace and unity. Standing 26 metres tall, this massive structure can rotate with the wind and is one of the city’s most popular landmarks. A visit here offers a deep insight into the architectural vision that shaped Chandigarh.
Distance: 6.5 km from the sanctuary
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Where To Stay & Eat
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary is home to numerous hotels and affordable resorts that you can spend your days in. Some of the most popular hotels to plan your stay in are Siswan Jungle Lodge, Hotel Lake View, Hotel Emerald Chandigarh, Hotel the Yellow and The LaLiT Chandigarh.
Additionally, restaurants, local eateries, cafes and clubs are abundant around the sanctuary. Depending on your convenience and budget, you can indulge in authentic Punjabi cuisine or international cuisines including Pyramid Cafe Lounge Bar, The Great Bear, Baluchi, 24/7 Restaurant at The Lalit Chandigarh and Barbeque Nation.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
To make the most out of your trip around the wildlife sanctuary, keep the following pointers in mind:
- The sanctuary involves a lot of walking, so wear footwear that is quite uncomfortable.
- There are limited food options inside the sanctuary, so it’s advisable to carry water and light snacks.
- Stay away from the animals and avoid making loud noises since that can be quite disruptive.
- Stick to designated paths and avoid straying off-trail to protect the natural habitat.
- The early morning hours are the best time for wildlife sightings.
Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the leading spots in Chandigarh to explore the local biodiversity. Not just for bird watching and jeep safaris, the sanctuary is equally amazing if you are seeking a peaceful escape. To have a well-rounded trip, ensure that you plan your trip with TripXL and immerse yourself in the beauty of the dense forests and landscapes around.
Cover Photo: Anuradha Marwah / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
